(Photos shot by Sandy Zimmerman during the red carpet and in the Garden Arena studio.)

I love attending the Academy Awards and all of the other major professional recognitions of excellence in their crafts. This was my first time covering the American Country Awards as I went to interview the celebrities on the Red Carpet.

Carrie Underwood, Artist of the Year-Female.

The excitement began as the celebrities arrived. Even though it was unusually cold this afternoon, the females walked the red carpet in their beautiful gowns along with the males in western attire.

Craig Campbell, ACA Performer, 3 time Nominee,

There were some new names in country music and many of countries’ superstars. Multi-platinum recording artist Trace Adkins, co-host with Tony award winner Kristin Chenoweth, admitted he had not followed instructions when he hosted last year’s ACA awards but now perhaps Kristin will keep him in line. During the duo’s hilarious scene, Kristin was hanging by her specially designed jeans which fit around both of them while Trace swung her back and forth. Trace’s well built body stands 6’6” with Kristin’s small 4’11” made this even wilder.

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American Country Awards-2011 (Continued)

Following the red carpet, I had the opportunity to see the winners and ask questions in one of the studio rooms inside the MGM Grand hotel's Garden Arena. It was great seeing some of American Idol's winners in person. Scotty McCreery believes his success is separate from his personal life. Scott still attends school and continues to do the same things he did before. Carrie spoke about her new husband, "We are still newlyweds!" Since they both travel it is difficult getting together with their schedules and are not planning on having a child right away. Another American Idol winner, Jordan Sparks was one of the presenters during the show.

Jason Aldean earned six awards while Carrie Underwood and Thompson Square each won three awards. Aldean's six awards this year rank him as the Male Artist with the Most Honors.Carrie's three awards this year along with six awards in 2010, she has earned the most ACA honors of any artist. Lady Antebellum's won as the Group of the Year plus four awards in 2010 make it the group with the most ACA awards.

Alabama's return was hailed by their fans and the trio was beaming with happiness. With 43 #1 Singles including their latest "Old Alabama" with Brad Paisley for which they were nominated.

I was happy to see "American Country Awards"recognized the best of many more categories than most of the other music award programs.

The winners of the Second Annual "American Country Awards" included Artist of the Year: Jason Aldean, Artist of the Year- Male: Brad Paisley, Artist of the Year-Female: Carrie Underwood, Artist of the Year- Group: Lady Antebellum, Music Video-Group or Collaboration: Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson's "Don't You Wanna' Stay", Music Video-New Artist: Thompson Square's "Are You Gonna' Kiss Me or Not?", Greatest Hits Award: Alabama, Artist of the Decade Award: Toby Keith.

Award winning Sandy Zimmerman is a syndicated Show and Dining Reviewer, travel writer, and talk show host of the Las Vegas Today Show and Discover the Ultimate Vacation travel specials. Sandy has been published in Dubai, Japan, England, South America, as well as other countries and in the United States. If you have any questions or for information, contact:sandyzimm2000@netscape.net